Fashion, Faith, Fitness, Favorites, and Food

Trying out a new trend can be scary or Fun depending on how you approach it. So my advice is to first put on your confidence, never worrying about what others think but only how it makes you feel. For date night I put on the "off the shoulder" trend with this fabulous dress from Neiman Marcus Last Call. I always wanted to try the "gladiator" look in shoes but approached it with fear. These fantastic shoes by Aldo allowed me to let go of my fear and have Fun. I recommend the nude color which makes them blend in with your skin and elongate your legs. I found these at Nordstrom Rack. So both these trendy items were a great bargain.

One of my Favorite words has been JOY ever since my son at age 4 said, unprompted, "Mom, you're my joy". Wow. That's truly the greatest thing anyone has ever said to me and it came from a 4 year old. The word Joy has the number of letters that's my Favorite number "3". That stems from my family of 3, my son born in 2003 and my belief in the "Trinity" Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God has brought so much joy to my life and blessed me even through the tough times. I don't believe you can truly experience joy without Christ.

Devotion:God is so good! He not only offers us His complete and abundant joy, God gives us directions on how to choose it. Instead of allowing our emotions to determine our day, we determine our thoughts to shape our day.He gives us the option, so let's do it. Choose Joy!Lord, we thank you that You are the giver of joy. If we choose joy and ask You for it, You never fail to fill us. Thank You for such a wonderful gift! In Jesus' Name, Amen.TRUTH FOR THE DAY:John 15:11, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (NIV)Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (NIV)

Nothing like jumping in with both feet, but what will tell the story of what weight training can do better than a picture. The picture on the left is from April 2014 I had not been sitting around eating bonbons LOL. I had actually spent the previous year running one race every month for a solid year. And in between races I was training, running often in my hilly neighborhood and local parks. But as you can see I was not fit. So I decided to hire a trainer. Best decision ever!The picture on the right is May 2015, one year after my training began. My training involves lifting weights and for cardio lifting weights faster. 😜🏋🏼 I haven't spent very much time running but I have incorporated healthy eating and working out 3 to 5 times a week. I give credit to my trainer Mitch Gaines who has taught me so much. Though he is young enough to be my son (and I claim him as one), his knowledge and passion for his career in fitness shines through. I hope to use his insight on my blog if he will let me. 😀

If you know me at all you know one of my favorite things is a sunset cruise at the lake. A glass of wine, calm waters, a slow cruise and Gods handywork. To me the beautiful colors reflecting on the water just can't be beat. I enjoy sunrise too but I am a night owl and not a morning person so I enjoy sunset better. If you haven't taken the time to catch one lately. Stop and enjoy. Thank God for the blessings of the day or the gift of a new day as you enjoy his amazing art work.

Quick and Easy entertaining. Make a Mimosa bar for your friends to enjoy by simply buying champagne, 3 to 4 different juices, lemons, limes, oranges and berries. Everyone can help themselves to their own favorite flavors. Enjoy!!!